Boston placed Sale on the 10-day disabled list July 31 with a mild case of left shoulder inflammation retroactive to July 28.

"I felt a little weird obviously getting off the mound for the first time. Spinning stuff, throwing some changeups," Sale said. "Feel pitches were off a little bit early but it's as expected. Arm feels good. That's the main step in all this."

He said he doesn't have an inning or pitch limit for Sunday, although he said the coaching staff might have something in mind.

"I got ready like a start," Sale said. "Basically threw my pregame throwing, pregame bullpen, sat down, warmed up, threw another set. We were getting after it pretty good. You've got to test it. I'm not going to go out there and throw 75 or 80 percent in the bullpen when I'm out there throwing 110 percent (in the game). So you've got to get after it a little bit and see where you're at. And I felt good."